South Yorkshire business leaders appeal for unity over devolution deal

South Yorkshire business leaders appeal for unity over devolution deal

15 August 2017

Dransfield Properties has today joined more than 150 other business leaders from across South Yorkshire to call for the four local authorities to get round the table and break the deadlock over the region’s devolution deal.

Without an agreement over the devolved powers deal for South Yorkshire leading business and industry heads fear job creation and investment will be stifled and the region runs the risk of being overlooked.

A letter has now been signed by more than 150 prominent business leaders in South Yorkshire representing tens of thousands of jobs in the region.  They’re calling for urgent action for unity and a clear position from the leaders of Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield – the direct appeal has been made in an open letter which was sent to the four leaders yesterday. (Monday)

Leaders of prominent businesses and organisations including Liberty Steel and Henry Boot have signed the letter as well as the Chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Sir Nigel Knowles. And 150 other businesses, including north Sheffield based Dransfield Properties have also added their voice to the call for a swift resolution.

They fear that without a devolution deal South Yorkshire’s reputation, both nationally and across the world, will suffer and the region could lose significant funding, investment and skills.

They’re concerned that hopes of a wider Yorkshire deal, which is not currently on the table, is stopping some of the region’s politician from joining forces to confirm their support for the previously agreed south Yorkshire deal which will unlock much needed funding for the area.

The business leaders make the point that:

“We have the possibility to be the paramount region of the country with regard to advanced manufacturing, health provision and research, digital innovation and other sectors.  We should continue to pursue this actively and thereby significantly enhance the job opportunities and life prospects for our citizens. 

“A Yorkshire deal may emerge as a possibility in the years ahead, but surely we will be better placed to be a strong component of that, should it arise, if we push ahead to really strengthen South Yorkshire first.”

They’ve also highlighted the need to settle differences and agree a strategy to find the right mayor for South Yorkshire who can bring the region together.

The letter has been sent to:

• Cllr Chris Read – Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
• Cllr Julie Dore – Sheffield City Council
• Ros Jones – Mayor of Doncaster
• Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton – Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk